"But what if we get the chance?" the girl protested softly, her voice full of longing.
Zhou Ming leaned against the carriage window, watching the fields stream past outside, and said no more.
His heart brimmed with anticipation. Shrek Academy was sacred ground to Soul Masters across the continent.
He had heard its name since childhood, but had never imagined he would one day go there himself.
His yearning was real, but so were the unease and fear beneath it.
The convoy pressed on, crossing the Northern Border of the Star Luo Empire and slowly making its way toward Shrek Academy.
Shrek City, council chamber of the Soul Tool Department.
Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo sat across from each other. Spread over the table were the files of thirty Exchange Students and a complete list of their escorts.
Qian Duoduo held a brush, making careful marks as he checked the details under his breath.
"Four accompanying instructors, all Seven-Ring to Eight-Ring. That's enough for day-to-day supervision and teaching. With one more Titled Douluo alongside you, the journey should be safe enough."
Xian Lin'er leaned back in her chair, lightly tapping the tabletop with her fingertips. Worry clouded her face.
"Has the Inquisitorial Legion settled on someone yet? Didn't Elder Lin say they'd send a veteran member to help escort us? We leave first thing tomorrow morning, and there's still no sign of anyone."
Qian Duoduo set down his brush and answered casually.
"Elder Lin arranged it himself. He said the person was being recalled specifically from the Heaven Dou Empire front line. He should be here soon."
"From the Heaven Dou Empire front line?" Xian Lin'er frowned, sounding helpless.
"I'm a Super Douluo myself. Besides, we're only taking thirty-odd students on an exchange. Why bring someone in from a thousand